Vehicle-axle.



No: 793,372. PATENTED JUNE 27, 1905. G. HEILRATH.

VEHICLE AXLE.

APPLIUATION FILED SEPT. 10,1904.

awvawlio z Qw vtweooeo 533) QZZMWQA UNITED STATES fatented June 27, 1905CHRISTIAN HEILRATH, OF SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA.

VEHICLE-AXLE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 793,372, dated June2'7, 1905. Application filed September 10, 1904. Serial No. 223,983.

To all whom, zit natty concern:

Be it known that I, CHRISTIAN H EILRATH, a citizen of the United States,residing at Sacramento, in the county of Sacramento and State ofCalifornia, have invented a new and useful Vehicle-Axle, of which thefollowing is a specification.

The present inventien relates more particularly to improvements in thespindles of vehicle-axles; and the object is to provide as an article ofmanufacture an axle having spindles which will afford continuousunbroken bearing-surfaces to the action of the hub and which can beshortened to take up wear, said shortening being accomplished with greatease and expedition without the necessity of re-dressing or otherwisefinishing the spindle or parts thereof.

The preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in theaccompanying drawings, whcrein I Figure l is a side elevation of aportion of a spindle. Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the same. Fig. 3 is asectional view, on an enlarged scale. Fig. i is a detail perspectiveview of one of the washers, and Fig. 5 is a similar view of one of thespacing-collars.

Like numerals are employed to designate corresponding parts throughoutthe drawings.

The main body of the spindle is designated by the reference-numeral 6and is tapered in the ordinary manner. Projecting from its outer end isa stem 7, that is threaded and is of less diameter than the outer end ofthe spindle-body. Threaded on the stem 7 and made of the same materialas the axle-spindle are a plurality of washers 8, between which arelocated spacing-collars 9, a spacing-collar being also arranged betweenthe inner washer and the adjacent end of the spindle-body. The washersterminate short of the outer end of the stem 7 so that the usual nut 10may be threaded thereon and abutted against the outer washer.

In the manufacture of the spindles while the axle is being threaded thewashers and collars are placed in position, the former being tightenedas snugly as possible, after which the spindle, with the washers andcollars, are

dressed down to the proper size and shape. The result is that thewashers constitute parts or eontinuations of the bearing-surface for thehub, and this surface is practically smooth and unbroken. The collarsplaced between the washers are preferably formed of different metal, soas to define the joints; otherwise when the spindle is finished thejoints could not be readily found. Thus in the present structure thespindle-body and the washers are formed of steel, while the collars areconstructed of brass. In order to more clearly mark the inner margins ofthe washers, the same are preferably provided at their inner edges withnotches 11, which are located transversely of the spindle, as shown.

Axles as thus constructed are employed in the ordinary manner that is tosay, each hub is rotatably mounted on its spindle and is held againstdisplacement by the nut 10. When the bearing becomes worn so that thehub is loose, the nut is removed and the wheel taken off. The outermostwasher is then detached, and this is accomplished by breaking orenlarging the same with a chisel, the edge of the chisel being placedupon the Washer, preferably just outside the notch. The collar definesthe inner edge of the Washer, and the nbtch assists in preventing thechisel being placed too far on the inside, so that the danger ofinjuring or marring the next Washer is obviated. After the outermostwasher and collar have been removed the wheel is replaced and the nutagain tightened. With this structure it will be observed that thewashers constitute permanent parts of the spindle and are not designedto be temporarily detached, re-dressed, and replaced. When the outermostwasher is removed, it is removed permanently, and a true surfaceisprovided by the outer side of the next washer, against which the nut mayabut. No expert work is therefore required in taking up wear, as it isonly necessary to remove one washer at a time.

It is thought that from the foregoing the construction, operation, andadvantages of my vehicle-axle will be fully comprehended; but

While the illustrated embodiment of the invention appears at this timeto be preferable I wish to be understood as reserving the right toeffect such changes, modifications, or variations as may come fairlywithin the scope of the protection prayed.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim, and desire to secureby Letters Patent is 1. As an article of manufacture, an axlespindlehaving a reduced threaded stem projecting from its outer end, forming ashoulder at the juncture of the stem and the spindle, a

plurality of metallic washers threaded upon.

the stem, the innermost one being abutted against the said shoulder, theothers being firmly abutted, one against the other, and held againstadjustment or movement on the stem, said washers having theirperipheries dressed down so that their outer faces form an unbrokencontinuation of the surface of the spindle, and means for defining thejoints between the Washers.

2. As an article of manufacture, a tapering axle-spindle having areduced threaded stem projecting from its outer end, forming a shoulderat the juncture of the stem and the spindle, and a plurality of metallicwashers threaded upon the stem, the innermost one being firmly abuttedagainst the said shoulder, the others being firmly abutted, one againstthe other, and held against adjustment or movement on the stem, saidwashers having their peripheries dressed down and tapered to form anunbroken continuation of the spindle, and being furthermore provided inone edge thereof, said washers and collars being firmly abutted againstthe shoulder of the spindle and against each other and held againstadjustment or movement thereby, being furthermore dressed down on theirperipheries to form an unbroken taperingcontinuation of the spindle.

4:. 'As an article of manufacture, a tapered spindle-body having athreaded stem at its outer end, a plurality of washers threaded upon thestem and having notches in their inner sides, said notches beingdisposed transversely of the spindle, spacing-collars of different metalfrom the washers located between said Washers, said collars and washersbeing dressed down to form a continuation of the spindle, and ahub-retaining nut threaded on the outer end of the stem.

In testimonythat I claimthe foregoing as my own I have hereto aifixed mysignature in the presence of two witnesses.

CHRISTIAN HEILRAIH.

Witnesses:

HAROLD HOLTEN, JOSEPH A. SHEERIN.

